Economics

When in doubt, castle

FAMOUS international economists aren't often known for their self-doubt. Aplomb and assuredness are par for the course in the field. One economist in particular, however, has always stood out in my mind as cooler than cool—Harvard professor Ken Rogoff.

While rummaging around on the web last night I came across some truly remarkable aspects of his past that may account for his bearing. This fellow has been smarter than his peers since a tender age. Again not really a rarity in this world, but what sets him apart is that he was an internationally renown intellect in an entirely different field before he ever set foot in an economics classroom; indeed, before he had to shave.

Many people know he is an International Grand Master, but how he got there is a coming-of-age tale worthy of Hollywood (working title: A Beautiful Chessboard). He started chess seriously at 13. By 14 he was a US Master and New York State Open champion; soon promoted to the highest US national title, Senior Master. At 16, he was the under-21 US champ, representing the US in World Championships and entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for having been involved in the longest game ever played.

Typical child prodigy you say. Pushed and pulled by ambitious parents, you think? Not even close. Skipping the last two years of high school, he moved to Yugoslavia, by himself, supporting himself with prize winnings and “blindfold exhibitions". You absolutely must see this picture of him playing blindfolded.

The story rolls on, Bobby Fischer and Anatoly Karpov make cameo appearances, but then he decides to try his hand at university. At Yale, James Tobin showed him the light (economics) and he went on to do his PhD at MIT where he was schooled by Rudi Dornbusch, Stanley Fischer, Jerry Hausman and Jagdish Bhaghwati.

The John Nash story may pull more heartstrings, but I like the ‘revenge of the nerds’ angle. I’m starting on the screenplay sometime next week.